Coin-controlled mechanism



3 Sheets-Sheet Vl G. F. HocHRlEM Filed April l5', 1928 COIN CONTROLLED MEGHANI SM Dec. 23, 1930 Dec. 23,1930. G. F. HocHRlEM y 15786,'014

COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM Filed April 1.3,- 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec. 23, 1930. G. F. HocHRlEM COIN CONTROLLED MECHANISM Filed April 15. 1928- 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Dec. 23, 1930 GUSTAV F. HO CHRIEM,

F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS COIN-CONTROLLED MECHANISM'..

Application filed April 13, 1928. Serial No. 259,643.

This invention relates to coin controlled f locked against operation until a coin ot` proper value is inserted.

Another object of the invention is to provide a coin controlled mechanism for governing the operation of a switch which operates an associated mechanism in which the parts are normally locked against operation and are released on deposit of a coin of proper value, the coin serving as one of the active elements ot the unlocking combination.

a According to the invention, the mechanism includes a movable member, such as a switch, slide, or the like, for controlling associated mechanism, which switch 1s arranged to be actuated by a suitable means, such as a trea-V so dle operated push rod, an oscillating member is resiliently associated with the push rod, a part of the oscillating member serving as means for actuating the switch or slide, a lock to prevent movement of they oscillating member vunder normal yconditions, a coin chute arranged to direct a coin against the oscillating member to release the lock and means to return the parte to normal position. The above and other and further objects oi. the invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings and appended claims.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment ofthe invention and the views thereof are as follows:

Figure lisa side elevation of the coin controlled mechanism, with the parts in normal or inoperative position.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1,

showing the parts in operative position.

Figure 3 msm. v

Figure i is a vertical sectional view online IV-IV of Figure 1. Y,

Figure `5 is a horizontal sectional view on line V--V of Figure 2. i Figure V6 is asectional view on line VI--VI of Figure 2; Y

Figure 7 is a iragmental enlarged view of certain details of the stop, with certain parts represented diagrammatically.

Figure 8 is a side elevation of a modification, with the parts in normal or inoperative position. Y

Figure 9 is a view lille Figure 8, showing the parts in operative position.

Figure 10 is a verticalsectional view on line Xf-X of 'Figure 8.

Figure 11 is an enlarged vertical` section through a coin delivery chute.

The mechanism shown in Figures 1 to 7 comprises a base 1 having lugs 2 for supportingthe base in a casing.

A coin chute 3 is arranged on the base 1 with a. suitable opening for reception of a coin of proper value.

Pivoted at 4 on the plate is an oscillating member 5 which in this form of the invention has a lateral extension 6 and an upwardly extending arm 7 which arm has a head 8 at the upper end of the same.

A lpush rod 9 which may be operated by a treadle or ,anyV other suitable means, is supported by the base 1 ina downwardly extending guide 10 which has an inturned end 11 with a suitable aperture vtherein through which the rod 9 passes. A `pin 12 passes through the rod above the foot l1 and a. spring-13 is arranged about the rod 9 between-the pin 10 and the lateral projection 6 of the oscillating member V5. vAnotherV pin lipasses through the -rod 9 above the projection 6 -or limiting downward movement of Vthe zrod with respect tothe oscilla-ting niember.

A stop lever 15 -is pivoted at "16 to the base 1 and hasa notch orshoulder 17 arranged in its lower edge.

A cam 18 is secured by rivets 19 tothe stop is a top `plan view of the mecha lever l on the rear side thereof' as vieve in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.

A second lever Q0 is pivoted at 21 to the rear side of the base 1 and has a pin or other projection 2Q passing through opening 23 in the base 1.

rlhe stop lever is so disposed with respect to the arm 7 of the oscillating member and the coin chute 3 as to 'form with the base l a pocket tor the coin A when the same is inserted through the chute.

Thel switch shown in Figures 1 to 7 is a mercury switch Q-l movably arranged in a spring clip which is secured to a plate 23, which plate has upturned ears 27 which are pivoted at 28 to an angle support 29 suitably secured to the base 1.

Secured to the lower side of the plate 26 is a cam 30 which in the present instance comprises an angularly disposed leg.

One conductor is shown at 31 with an end projecting a short distance into the tube 24. The other conductor 32 is arranged at the other end of the tube and has an end projecting into the tube 24.

The normal level of the mercury in the tube 24 in normal or inoperative position is shown at 33.

The conductor 31 is secured to a binding post 34 while the conductor 32 is secured to a binding post 33 arranged in a connection block 35 which block is supported on a bracket 36 secured to the base 1.

A binding post 36 and another binding post 37 are arranged in the block 35 to which may be connected conductors joined to the mechanism controlled by the switch, which in this form ot the invention is a mercury switch.

The operation of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 7 is as follows.

The parts being in normal or inoperative position as shown in Figure 1 and without any coin being inserted, the push rod 9 may be actuated, but without setting up the switch 2d to close the circuitl controlled by the same.

TvVhen the treadle is actuated, parts are locked against actuation by the switch as the push rod will operate the member 5 in counter clockwise direction until the pin 38 on the arm 7 strikes the shoulder 17 of the stop plate. By reason of the spring 13 interposed between the pin 12 in the rod 9 and the lateral projection 6 on the oscillating member, the push rod may be moved to the limit of its travel without further movement of the switch controlled mechanism.

When a coin of proper value is inserted in the chute 3, the same falls to the position A in Figure 1 whereupon the push rod may be actuated.

With the coin A in position as shown in Figure 1, actuation ot the push rod 9 will oscillate the member 5 in counte: clockwise direction, moving the coin on the pin 22 of the second lever 20, rolling the coin about said pin until the same contacts the cam 18 on the rear side of the stop plate 15. Continued movement of the arm 7 will force the coin against the cam 18, thus raising the stop lever 15 sun'icient so that the shoulder 17 thereof is out of the path of movement ot the pin 38 on the arm 7.

Wlhen the coin A engages the cam 18 its movement in that direction will be stopped and thereupon the coin will bear downwardly on the pin moving the lever 2O until the piu 2:2 is against the lower side of the opening 23 through the base. Then in this position, there is enough space between the cam 18 and pin 22 to allow the coin to tall into a proper receptacle for the same.

llllhcn the parts have been moved to the position ust described, the pin on the arm 7 will have engaged the cam 30 attached to the plate 28 ot the switch and when the member 5 has been oscillated to the end of its countercloclmrise movement, the parts will be as shown in Figure 2.

The head 8 o the arm 7 underlies the mouth ot the chute 3, thus stopping any coin which may have subsequently, to the initiation ot the operating movement of the apparatus, been inserted in the chute. Such coin is shown in dotted lines in Figure Q.

lvhen the switch 24 is moved by the arm 7 bearing against the cam 30, circuit is made between the conductors 31 and 32 and thus closes the circuit, controlled thereby for proper actuation of any associated mechansm.

lV hen pressure on the treadle is released, the push rod 9 returns to normal position as shown in Figure 1 and the other parts of the mechanism also return to normal position.

A spring 40 is connected to the oscillating member 5 and the base 1 to return the oscillating member to normal position, which is that shown in Figure 1.

A spring 41 is connected at one end to a pin 1-2 on the rear side of the base 1 and at the other end to lever 20 to return this lever 20 to normal position, which is that lshown in Figure 1.

The opening 23 through the base 1 'for the pin Q2 on the lever 20 is shown as substantially elliptical. To compensate for movement between the pin 22 and the oscillating member 3, an arcuate curve i3 is formed on the underside of an extension lil ot' the oseillating member. This curve terminates in a shoulder 45 to prevent disengagement of: the parts.

The form or' the invention shown in Figures 8 to 11 comprises a base 46 and a subbase 47, the latter being spaced from the former by spacers 48 surrounding screws 4) which hold the two bases in operative position.

The switch of this form of the invention comprises a sliding plate 5l arranged on the rlf'lre sub-'base 7 4is removed in this figure ot the drawings.

in oscillating men'iber55 is securedto the shaft 54 and consists et an arm 56 having ashoulder 57 thereon which has an arcuate sur'- tace 58. Part ot the member 55 is cut away at 59 to form a pockettor the reception ot a coin 60, which coin; is delivered thereto through a suitable coin chute, not shown.

A stop lever 6l is pivoted at 62 and has an extension 63 resting against the shoulder 57 ot the 'oscillating memberI 55. A stop shoulder is provided in this lever Jfor normally contacting the shoulder 57 when the member is oscillated without a coin in position. A cam 65 is arranged en the rear side of the lever 6l in position to be engaged by the coinV when the mechanism is operated.

The upper end ot the'oscillating member 55 has a pin 66 projecting through an arcuate slot 67 in the base 46, which pin engages the sliding plate or switch 5l.

The mechanism illustrated in Figure 9 is arranged between the base plates 46 and 47;

Arranged so as to receive the coin 6() as the same is discharged from the oscillating member 55, is a chut'e68 having one closed side and one open side. The width of the opening is slightly less than the diameter Vot the coin which will actuate the mechanism so that any coin smaller than that necessary Will pass out of the machine through the open side Y ot the chute and into a proper return chute 'for delivery `to the person inserting the wrong com. necessary to actuate this part oit the mechanism will, ot course, ,Je insuiiicient to engage the cam on the stop lever 6l.

Figure 8 shows a similar arrangement ot that described with respect to Figure 9 and in addition thereto for the reception ot another coin which with the tirst coin is necessary to permit the actuation et the device.

in oscillating arm 69 is secured to vshaft 54 und has Va shoulder 70 similar to shoulder 57 on arm 55. A. stop lever 7l is pivoted at 72 and has an end 78 which rests on the shoulder 7() ot the oscillating member. rlhe stop lever has a shoulder 74 which normally contacts the' shoulder 70 on the oscillating arm tor preventing complete oscillation thereof in the absence ot a coin ot 4proper value. I

The oscillating member 69 is provided with a pocket for receiving a coin 7 5, 'which coin Any coin smaller than that pin 66 ot the inner oscillating arm 55 so as to return the switch 5l to normal or inoperative position whenever pressure is released on the shaft 54.

rlhe shaft 54 may be oscillated by a push rod similar to that described with respect to the arrangement shown in Figures l to 7, or it may be actuated in any other desirable The operation ot the mechanism shown in Figures 8 to l1 is as tollows.

Two coin chutes, not shown, are provided, one tor delivering the coin to the inner oscillating member 55 and the other for delivering a coin'A ot ditlerent value to the outer oscillating member 69.

is shown, a nichel is the coin for the inner oscillating arm, while a dime is the proper coin for the outer oscillating arm.

The nickel slot, being larger ot course than the dime slot, might have inserted therein a dime or a penny, but each of these being smaller than a nickel, would not contact the am 65 to release the stop lever 6l, even vthougha dime be inserted in the oscillating member 69 thus releasing the stop lever 71 ci this partot the mechanism. Such coin oit Vimproper value would, theretore,-pass into the chute 68 and tall out et the same tor return through 'a suitable aperture to the person inserting the same.

lWhen a niclrel and a dime have been inserted, oscillation ot the shaft 54 will bring each of these coins against its respective stop lever, releasing the same and permit full oscillation ot the oscillating members 55 and 69 in counter clockwise direction to move the switch or slide 5l outwardly, thereby actuating any mechanism connectedv to this s vitch.

It sometimes happens that a person desiring to use the mechanism controlled by the mechanism ot this invent-ion, inserts two coins in the coin chute. To prevent clogging of the machine, there is arranged in the machine means tor keeping the said second coin out of position to clog the machine.

The stop lever or plate l5 has a. latch spring 76 (Figure 7) suitably secured to the plate l5 or the cam 18 thereon.

The second `coin would necessarily rest Vabove the tiret coin A.. As the arm 7 is oscillated in `cometer-ciockwise direction, the second coin would be moved upwardly into position B ot Figure 2,-thus moving outwardly the spring 76 with the coin resting near the top ofthe cam 18. The iront-edge of the coin would rest against the arm 7 and be held in cosition B of Fiure 2 until the parts were released, whereupon this coin .'ould fall into position A (o permit actuation of the devle.

instead of having the above noted arrangeand shorten the cam 1S, ,in which event on top of coin A., as seen in Fig. l, and lien i en the lower member or tumbler were oscillated, the second coin would be carried along on top ef the coin A and discharged from the machine by beingpassed over the coin A.

T he lower member or tumbler 5 is arrangerL with the lam 4l?) thereof in contact with he pin Q2 projecting through the opening Q3 in the plate 1. which pin is carried by the lever 2O pivoted to the rear side of said plate.

The pi serves as the lower support for an inserted coin il.. Figur- 1 shows the coin A supported on the pin and against the front side of the arm 7.

yThe tumbler 5 oscillated as above described, thereby movino the coin il. above the pin until the coin .fthe cam 18, thereupon the coin becomes wedged, so to speak, between the cam 18 and the arm forcing downwardly the pin Q2 and forcing upwardly the cam 1S, thereby raising the upper tumbler so that the shoulder 17 thereof will escape from pin 33 on the arm 7, thus perniitting actuation of the switch by the arm T.

The coin A has served. its purpose when it has raised the tumbler 15 so as to permit the passage of the shoulder of the tumbler by the pin 88 on the arm 7. Consequently, the coin is now ready to be discharged into the coin box (not shown).

Should the oscillation of the `member 5 up to ine point of engagement of the arm 7 with its associated switch be insntlicient to discharge the coin.y further movement of the member 5 to its limit of travel in counterclockwise direction would cause the cam 4?; to depress the pin 2Q, to its lowermost position in the slot 23, thereupon releasing the coin A so that the same may fall into the coin box.

lt is within the scope of my invention to so arrange the size and position of the tumbler 15 as to permit the use of coins of several sizes in the same device or to limit the actuation of the device to single coin.

Should it be desirable to arrange the parts for actuation by a dime, nickel or cent say, then the cam 18 on the tumbler 15 would be so positioned with respect to the pin 22 that ille deposit of any one of these coins would more the tumbler upwardly to permit actua tion of the switch by the a in 7.

lllhere the mechanism is arranged to be operated by any one of several coins, then, of course, the smallest coin would depress the pin 22 the least amount while the largest coin would depress it the most.

Figures 8 and 9 show an arrangement of tumblers, levers and the like to be associated on a single shaft 54 where it is desired to use the mechanism with a vending machine requiring a deposit of more than ten cents, say, to actuate the same.

lt is within the contemplation of my invention in such an arrangement to use the levers, tumblers and the like, as shown in said Figures 8 and 9, or to use the tumblers, levers and the like shown in Figures 1 and 2 and arranged in flights or a series disposed axially along the shaft 54. With the latter arrangement there would be the upper tumblers 15 and lower tumblers 5 and the pins 22.

ln this form of the invention, the upper i'umblers may be changed to permit any combination of coins being used to actuate the device.

Any number of such sets of tumblers may be arranged axially along the shaft 54 to receive any amount of deposited coins.

'E he pin 22 serves as the bottom support for the coin and is so associated with respect to the tumblers 5 and 15 as to enter into the active combination which unlocks the arm 7 up to a certain point in the travel thereof, whereupon the coin is discharged into the coin box.

Every coin chute 3 has a feeder or slot directed thereto and arranged to receive only the proper size coin intended for such chute.

Figure 11 is a transverse section of such slot. Assuming that the slot member shown in Figure 11 is arranged to receive a nickel, in that event the distance between the intnrned ends of said slot member would be fdiglitly less than the diameter of a nickel. Should a penny or a dime be deposited in this slot member, then the same would fall out through the lateral opening and be returned to the customer in a box on the outside of the machine. The opening in the slot member would preclude the insertion of any coin larger than a nickel.

A slot arranged to receive a penny would, of course, receive a dime, but the slot member would be arranged to cast out the dime if inserted. Any other coin than a nickel, dime or penny as just described may be employed in this machine provided with a. slot member of proper size. I

The form of switch 51 shown in Figures S and 9 is useful in vending` machines for vending merchandise such as gum, candy and the like, while the mercury switch shown in Figures 1 and 2 is useful in a coin controlled mechanism for operation of electrical devices such pianos, music boxes and the like.

rllhe term switch has been used herein to refer to the mercury switch 24. of the form of the invention shown in Figures l to 7 and also to refer to the sliding plate 51 shown in l. A coin controlled mechanism comprising a base, an oscillating arm on said base, a rod arranged to move said arm in one direction, a spring to move said arm in opposite direction, a stop for said arm comprising aplate pivoted to said base,said plate having a notch therein, a. pin on said arm arranged to engage said notch, a cam on said plate, a lever pivoted to the back side of said base having a pin thereon projecting through an aperture in said base, a spring secured to said lever to maintain same in normal position, a coin chute arranged to deposit a coin on said arm and said pin, said arm on oscillation arranged to move said coin against the cam on the plate to raise the stop out of the path of the pin on said arm and depress said pin and lever for escape ot said coin, a head on said arm arranged to close said coin chute when said arm is moved by said rod, and

yielding connections between the rod and the oscillating arm.

2. 'A coin controlled mechanism `comprising a base, a push rod, an oscillating member pivoted on said basefand movable in one direction by said rod, a yielding connection between said rod and said member, a stoplever pivoted on said base for normally opposing movement of the oscillating member, a cam on said lever, a coin chute arranged to direct a coin against said oscillating member and in alignment with said cam whereby on actuation oi said push rod said coin is moved against said cam to move said stop lever out of normal position to permit actuation of said oscillating member, and a second lever pivoted to said base and having a projection for keeping said coin against said oscillating member and which on oscillation of said member is moved away from normal position to permit the coin to drop from the oscill ating member.

3. A coin controlled mechanism comprising a base, a push rod, an oscillatingmember pivoted on said base and movable 1n one direction by said` rod, a stop vplate pivoted on said base for normally opposing movement of the oscillatingV member, afcam on said plate, a coin chute arranged to direct a coin against said oscillating member and in alignment with said cam whereby on actuation of said push rod said coin Yis moved against said cam to move said stop plate out of normal position 'toi permit actuation of said oscillating member, said stop plate having a. spring thereon for temporarily supporting avr second coin inadvertently inserted before actuation or' the push rod out of engagement with the oscillating member until the parts are returned to normal position.

t. A coin controlled mechanism for vending machines comprising an oscillating tumbler and an .arm thereon for actuating associated mechanisms, a second tumbler provided with a stop to normally prevent movement oit' said arm and a shoulder thereon remote from said stop, a pivoted lever having a pin extending into 'the path oi' an inserted coin-and arranged to cooperate with said arm to support said coin against said arm, a=sp`ringattached to said lever 'to mainL tain said pin in uppermost. position, said shoulder on vsaid second tumbler arranged to be contacted by the coin and to lift the stop of said second tumbler out of the path ot' movement of said arm, and said pin being depressed on further actuationof said arm to permit discharge of' said coin after said arm has passed a positioned determined by said v second tumbler.V

5. A coin controlled mechanism comprising an oscillating tumbler and an arm thereon for. actuating associated mechanism, a second-tumbler provided with 'a' stop to normally prevent movement oi said arm, a pivoted lever having apin extending into the path of an inserted Coin and arrangedto ceoperate with'said arm to' support said coin,- a springv attachedlto said lever to maintain said pin in uppermost position, a shoulder onsaid second tumbler remote from said stop. arranged to be contacted by the coin and to lift the stop ofv said second'tumbler out of the path of. movement ot said arm, said pin being depressed by said coin on the further actuationof said arm to permit discharge of said coin after said arm has moved beyond its position of engagement by said second tumbler.

6. A'coin Acontrolled Vmechanism including a base, an oscillating arm on said base, means for moving said arm in one direction, a spring to move said arm in the opposite direction, a stop for said arm comprising a plate pivoted to said base, said plate and said arm having co-engaging elements for normally preventing oscillation ot said arm` in one direction,

ja cam on said plate, a lever pivoted to the back side of said base and having a pin thereon projecting through an aperture in said base, a spring secured to said lever to maintain the same in normal position, av coin chute arranged to deposit a coin on said arm and said pin, said arm on oscillation arranged to move said coin against'the cam on the plate to depress said pin and lever and to move said Coin against the cam on the plate to raise the stop out of the path of the pin on the arm.

7. A coin controlled mechanism coinprising a hase, an oscillating arm on said base, a rod arranged to move said arm in one direction, a spring:Y to move said arm in the opposite direction, a stop for said arm coinprising a plate pivoted to said hase, said plate having a notch therein, a pin on said arm ar- 10 ranged to engage said notch, a cam on said plate, a lever pivoted to the back side of said hase and having,- a pin thereon projecting through an aperture in said base, a. spring` secured to said lever to maintain the saine in normal position, a coin chute arranged to deposit a coin on said arm and said pin, and said arm on oscillation arranged to move said coin against the cani on the plate to depress said pin and lever and to move said coin against the cam on the plate to raise the stop out o' the path of the pin on the arm.

8. coin controlled mechanism includingl a hase, an oscillating arm on said base, a rod arranged to move said arm in one direction, a spring to move said arm in the opposite direction, a stop for said arm includingga plate pivoted to said base, yieldingr connections between said rod and said oscillating arm, said plate having a notch therein, av pin on said arm in the path of said notch, a Cain on said plate, a lever pivoted to the back side of said oase and having a pin thereon projecting through an aperture in said base, a spring secured to said lever to maintain the saine in normal position, a coin chute arranged to deposit a coin on said arm and said pin, and said arm on oscillation arranged to move said coin against the cam on tl e plate to depress said pin and lever and to move said o coin against the cam on the plate to raise the stop out of the path of the pin on the arm.

ln testimony whereof l have hereunto subscribed niy naine at Chicago, Cook County,

Illinois.

GUSTAV F. I-IOCHRIEM. 

